Saturday, August 1, 2009

I am a photographer living in New York City. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2008 and have decided to start a portrait project of people who have RA and other autoimmune diseases.

My hope for this project is that I can let everyone know that there are a lot of younger people out there who are dealing with these chronic, often painful, illnesses. Also, I think it is very important for the newly diagnosed to be able to see all of these beautiful, happy faces and know that they are not the only one.

Working on this project makes me feel like we are all in this together and that none of us has to go through it alone.

If you would like to participate and have me take your portrait, please e-mail me at jodimckeephotography@gmail.com. Thanks!

22
comments:

What a great project. If you ever come to Idaho let me know.I was diagnosed with RA when I was 34, I am now 37. My daughter was one year old at the time and I really struggled to take care of her as well as my three other children. (oldest was 6 at the time)Not “looking sick” was hard when it came to asking for help.I’ll keep checking your project.Jen

Love your photos. I too have RA and have lost many activities due to pain and joint damage. I have become very interested in photography and suddenly realized it is something I can still do. Hope to take some classes this fall. Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the good work!

GREAT JOB Jodi! What an excellent idea....you are cordially invited to come to Vancouver British Columbia for the Olympics which run from Feb12-28/2010...we are gearing up to host the World!

I have an AI disorder called Behcets syndrome...was dx in 1989 and my current problem is due to the damage caused by arthritis. On a gazillion meds such as prednisone, Kinert and daily long acting Morphine for the pain...like everyone, sure find it challenging just taking every day as it comes and often end up cancelling so many things...my spirit is there but my bod doesn't co-operate...try to do some volunteer things as had to give up my job as a community health nurse 7 years ago. The Olympics are providing me with some FUN opportunities but will be basically be commiting to these and not doing much of anything else so I can get my required sleep and rest periods. Hello to everyone out there...if I ever get to New York I will be in touch!

What a wondeful project you have begun. How inspired was I when I saw the blog on RA Central. I am currently a 36 yr old mother of 3 boys (my oldest, is now 7 and I also have 4 yr old twins) who was diagnosed with arthritis at the age of 18. So, for the 2nd half of my life, I have been living with this disease. I remember going into work last year telling my principal at the time that I was unwell. To my dismay, she replied that I couldn't really be feeling so badly as I looked great. Now, unfortunately, I can no longer work as my hip revision (re-replacement) has not gone well. But, that doesn't stop the inquiries as to when I will return and why such a long recovery. Thank you for putting such lovely faces to such an invisible disease. If you are ever in Toronto, Canada, please let me know. I would love to be part of such an empowering project. Thank you and God Bless,Cathy

This looks like a wonderful project Jodi- thank you! I was recently diagnosed with RA and am still struggling with sometimes crippling pain ("But you're too young for arthritis!" Don't I wish?). I'm near NYC often and perhaps we can meet up one time (I'll be there at the holidays, but I'm sure we're both booked). :} Good luck as you pursue the project- I look forward to following as it progresses!

Jodi,Oh my goodness!!!!!! It's Katy Bruno. I was looking you up on Google to try to get in touch when I found this. I was diagnosed with R.A. last year too. I know exactly what you are going through. Love the pics of Chris. You guys are beautiful!

I still really love the idea of this project, so I've decided to pass the Sunshine Award along to you as a small thanks for the sunshine, hope, and help that reading your blog and looking at your photos brings to me.

Hi Jodi,I am so exicted I came across your information today. I just got home from being in NYC for 5 days visiting family. I would love to participate in your project and maybe we could schedule somethig during my next NYC visit. I was diagnosed with JRA when I was only 13 months old. I am now 40 years old! I had both of my knees replaced last year. Yes, the very young get arthritis too! Love what you are doing and hope to be a part of it someday. Thanks, Bari

God bless you Jodi! I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I was about 18 years old, and I am about to turn 30. I must admit that it has been a long journey, still I now that I am truly blessed. I have been married for 9 years, and we have a 6-year-old son. They mean everything to me, and have truly been my inspiration. I have many family members and friends, who after all these years still have no idea about my illness. I appreciate you taking the time to show others that just because we are not bound to a wheelchair or bed, we still may be ill. This website has truly been an inspiration, and I am so happy that autoimmune diseases now have a face.

Thank You! I'm so happy I found your blog! Now I don't feel alone. It brought tears to my eyes. I'm a 31 woman who has suffered quietly with psoriatic arthritis my entire life but this year my arthritis will not let me be quiet.